CINGULAR UNVEILS "CHECKLIST" FOR WLNP.

Consumers in the top 100 metro areas will be able to change wireless carriers and take their numbers with them beginning November 24th when wireless local number portability (WLNP) rules come into effect. In an effort to make sure customers can maneuver through any unexpected pitfalls in the process, Cingular Wireless has created a checklist called "The A to Z of WLNP."

"Many people may welcome the freedom to change carriers and keep their wireless phone numbers, but most are not aware that it can be much more complicated than it sounds," said Adam Vital, vice president of Wireless Operations and Support at Cingular Wireless.

The FCC has mandated WLNP but has not adopted standardized procedures for all carriers to follow. Cingular's checklist gives wireless customers a simple guide for making sure they understand the process and can protect both their number and their pocketbooks.

"Simple things like knowing whether or not you're still under contract is important to customers." added Vital. Switching carriers and transferring your number does not relieve you of your contract obligations with the existing provider, including early termination fees. "The intention of our checklist is to help people avoid surprises."

Following are the "tips" included on the checklist: - Know the details. Your new carrier will need to know information about your existing account. So for convenience, bring a bill from your existing carrier to your new one. If you don't have a copy of your bill, know the exact details of your account, including name (for example, is it billed to "Bill" or "William" Smith), address, account number and phone number. - Leave some time. The process can take a few minutes or a few hours. It could take even longer for your phone to be fully functional (such as being able to receive incoming calls). - Timing Counts. Start the process with your new carrier. If you cancel your current service with your existing carrier, you may end up losing your number. - Are you a free agent? You may be under contract with your existing carrier, who may charge you an early termination fee if you cancel your existing service while still under contract. - Start from scratch. You may need a new phone when you switch carriers, even if you are keeping your number. Familiarize yourself with your new carrier's rate plans, coverage area and features, too, because you'll need to choose a new plan. - Larger cities first. WLNP is required to be available in the 100 largest metro areas on November 24th of this year. Some carriers may offer it in smaller markets before late May 2004. - The "L" in WLNP. "Local" means when switching carriers you will be able to take your number within the same metro area but you may not be able to take it from one metro area to another. - Need your consent. Your new wireless carrier will need your authorization to move your wireless number from your existing carrier. This protects you from carriers switching your number without your permission.

The "A-Z of WLNP" checklist will be made available on http://www.cingular.com and at Cingular Wireless retail locations.

About Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless, a joint venture between SBC Communications (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth (NYSE:BLS), serves more than 23 million voice and data customers across the United States. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover, the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Cingular has launched the world's first commercial deployment of wireless services using Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) technology. Cingular provides cellular/PCS service in 43 of the top 50 markets nationwide, and provides corporate e-mail and other advanced data services through its GPRS, EDGE and Mobitex packet data networks.

Cingular Wireless can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.cingular.com .

For more information, call 404/236-6153.